News Release

Friday, March 19, 2010

Cops Bust Downtown Tagger NR10131pv

Los Angeles: Today, Central Area detectives concluded a two-month investigation to identify and arrest Eduardo Ramirez, 20, who was known as the tagger “FIGO” and “FIGOE.”

“We have two officers assigned full time to investigate these vandals,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, command officer of Central Detective Division. “Thanks to their efforts and innovative investigative approaches, graffiti is becoming far less common downtown.”

Police noticed FIGO’s tag along the 10 and 101 freeways, near the eastern inbound routes to downtown Los Angeles. “He would tag the tall buildings along the freeway and the freeway walls,” Lt. Vernon explained. “Just in downtown, we estimate the damage at over $2,600.”

Ramirez lives is Maywood, and his tag has been recorded throughout eastern Los Angeles County.

Detectives served a search warrant at Ramirez’s home this morning and seized dozens of items, including spray paint cans, tanks of nitrous oxide, illicit mushrooms, marijuana, codeine pills, and a specially made belt for holding multiple spray cans. “It was a tagger’s holster, of sorts,” Lt. Vernon said.

Ramirez is employed as a teacher’s aide at an elementary school in South Gate.

Ramirez was booked on the various narcotics possession charges, in addition to the vandalism. His bail was set at $20,000.

Police encourage the public to report vandalism to their local police. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.